Eli5 Why is it that a handful of sand would blow away in the wind but piles of sand at the beach don’t create sandstorms even with strong wind

Question

Eli5 Why is it that a handful of sand would blow away in the wind but piles of sand at the beach don’t create sandstorms even with strong wind

In: 7

Answer 1

In short: moisture. Dry sand (in deserts) regularly kicks up into sandstorm. Sand near the ocean has more moisture content, and does not act the same.

Answer 2

Never been to the beach on a windy day? The wind absolutely blows the sand around. It can be quite painful if the wind is strong enough.